More aggressive campaigns to promote Ceylon Speciality Tea

Ceylon Speciality Tea, popular in Europe and in the United States will be promoted with more aggressive campaigns to capture new markets, said Chairman, Sri Lanka Tea Board (SLTB), Lalith Hettiarachchi.

He was speaking at a ceremony to launch the first Charity Tea Auction and Awards ceremony of the Ceylon Speciality Tea of the year project-2008 to be held on September 10. Hettiarachchi said Americans have a special liking for Ceylon speciality tea which the industry should take maximum advantage to capture new markets.

"The tea industry is proud of achieving the Rs. 1 billion export earning mark last year and it is confident with value added branded exports the revenue will increase", he said.

The consumption of tea in US has increased due to the health factor.

The tea industry has selected the US market to promote Ceylon Speciality tea due to the growth in exports by 21 per cent.

Managing Director, Euro-Scan Exports (Pvt) Ltd., Anselm Perera said the promotion of speciality teas will help to increase the production of good tea.

Sri Lanka produces 43 grades which is a unique advantage in promoting exports.

The country exports around 330 million killogrammes of tea per annum. Ceylon tea is considered the most ozone friendly tea in the world.

The proceeds of the auction will be donated to educate tsunami affected children in the Kalutara district under the project 'Back to School'. LF